Edward Riley Boyd, known as Eddie Boyd, was an influential American blues pianist, singer, and songwriter born on November 25, 1914, near Stovall, Mississippi. Boyd's music career spanned several decades, from the 1930s to the 1990s, during which he became renowned for his evocative compositions and significant contributions to the blues genre.

Boyd's early life was marked by his upbringing in the Mississippi Delta, where he was a childhood friend of Muddy Waters. He learned to play the guitar and piano, influenced by musicians like Roosevelt Sykes and Leroy Carr. In 1936, Boyd moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he played with the Dixie Rhythm Boys. By 1941, he had joined the Great Migration north to Chicago, where he became part of the vibrant blues scene, recording with notable artists such as Sonny Boy Williamson, Jazz Gillum, and Muddy Waters.

Boyd's breakthrough came in 1952 with the recording of "Five Long Years," a track he produced himself and which topped the Billboard R&B chart for seven weeks. This success was followed by two more hits in 1953, "24 Hours" and "Third Degree," both recorded with Chess Records. Despite his success, Boyd faced challenges, including a contentious relationship with Chess Records and an automobile accident in 1957 that temporarily halted his career.

In 1965, Boyd toured Europe with Buddy Guy's band as part of the American Folk Blues Festival. Disenchanted with racial discrimination in the United States, he chose to settle in Europe, first in Belgium and later in Helsinki, Finland. There, he continued to perform and record, releasing several albums, including "Praise to Helsinki" in 1970. Boyd remained active in the music scene until his death on July 13, 1994, in Helsinki.

Boyd's legacy is celebrated for his poignant blues compositions that captured themes of hardship and emotional turmoil. His influence is evident in the numerous artists who have covered his work, including B.B. King and Eric Clapton. Boyd's contributions to the blues genre have left an indelible mark, ensuring his place in music history.